How do voltage sensors in voltage-gated ion channels respond to changes in membrane potential?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the mechanism by which voltage sensors in voltage-gated ion channels respond to changes in the membrane potential. It requires understanding the structure and function of these channels and how they are affected by electrical signals. It's a straightforward recall of knowledge related to cell biology and biophysics.
Answer
Voltage sensors respond to changes in membrane potential by changing shape, opening or closing the ion channel.
Voltage sensors in voltage-gated ion channels respond to changes in membrane potential through conformational changes. These sensors, containing charged residues, move in response to changes in the voltage gradient across the cell membrane. This movement opens or closes the ion channel, regulating the flow of ions.
Answer for screen readers
Voltage sensors in voltage-gated ion channels respond to changes in membrane potential through conformational changes. These sensors, containing charged residues, move in response to changes in the voltage gradient across the cell membrane. This movement opens or closes the ion channel, regulating the flow of ions.
More Information
Voltage-gated ion channels are crucial for generating electrical signals in excitable cells, such as neurons and muscle cells.
Tips
A common misconception is that ion concentration directly opens the channel, but it's the change in charge gradient (voltage) that triggers the conformational change.
Sources
- Voltage-gated ion channel - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
- Video: Voltage-gated Ion Channels - JoVE - app.jove.com
- Voltage-gated ion channels: Current Biology - Cell Press - cell.com
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